The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-02

Prime Minister of England WAS the CHIEF
participant
When arrived at that portion of tho park
surrounding the castle, found two large tents
erected just outside the wall or fence. while
seated all about of people, possibly
many as two or three hundred brass
band was playing and the thought occurred that
possibly stroiug circus or company OF players
had penetrated into the very precincts of MI
G,adstone's home, and had been permitted to
have day with the people of the parish
I said to the driver that l would alight
and see what was going on; upon doing
which. aud asking apleasaut-facsd young man.
who afterward learned was one of Mr. Glad
stones sons, was informed that 1t was the day
upon which Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were giving
their accustomed annual fete to the poor OF the
parish above sixty years OF age. this time the
festival taking on the prevailing jubilee charac-
ter it being. Mr.. Gladstone called it. proha-
bly, the last OF the jubilee festivities in the
kingdom Being told that I should be no in
truder. gladly became interested looker-on.
and spent an hour two at the place. England
is where old people grow. ripe old age is the
rule. No where but in England would it have
been possible to assemble together two hundred
and eighty-three men and women above sixty
years of age out of parish so small as Hawar-
population. And how hale and hearty, and
rudy and cheerful they all seemed to be- to be
sure! fne-looking woman, who soon learned
was Mrs. Gladstone, busy experimenting
the arrangements aud welcoming each new
rival In the larger tent were the tables spread
for three hundred, and into this the serv-
ants constantly carrying great
hampers and baskets of all kinds of pro-
visions. from the generous kitchen of the castle.
As the time for the dinner to be served drew nigh,
hot soups and meats and vegetables. with the
national cup of tea. this time in great cadrons,
long procession, all the members of
the household. servants and and sons
wives, not emitting grandchildren, eagerly join
ing in the work. The old people, meanwhile.
rested on their benches under the shade of the
great oaks. watching the busy preparations
with smiling faces and doubt expectant
stomachs. Mrs. Gladstone, dressed only
Englishwomen and do Dress but rising
superior to the misfortune of apparel. and with
the ubiquitous white-lace parasol-umbrella in
hand. here, there, and everywhere. How
interesting it was to her among those poor
old people. shaking hands, speaking to each and
all. calling them by their names, asking after the
husband, or wife. or children, as the case might
be- and inquiring WITH minuteness into the
smallest affairs of their humble lives. In this
duty, and privilege she made it, she was we'll
seconded and assisted by her dauehter-in-law.
the rector's wife, who 1 judged. was ''cut
out" for her position. Thus the tins
went on, until the chief butler told Mrs.
Gladstone that everything was about ready.
But where was Mr. Gladssone1 Where Mac
Gregor sits is the head Of the table, and there
could be taole that day without the presence
of the Grand Old Man. had strolle6 away to-
ward the garden wall. against which a tenn
porary pair of steps had been erected, for the
purpose Of having nearer and better view Of
the front of the house. Suddenly from above me,
and not far away, heard voices, and upon look
ing up, saw q gentleman and lady, and with
them third person, whom at once recognized,
he turned about. to be Mr.. Gladstone himself.
heard the other man shy: well Mr. Glad
stone. this is indeed redletssr day in my life
1 never expected to have You showing me about
your home- in this way" Mr.. Gladstone evil
dent doesn't like tsffy on shovel, for he said.
hurriedly. 81 must go and SEQ Mrs Gladstones
and of he started for the end Of the wall near
where was standing, and where he met his
wife with shall come down, dear?" she re
plying, Yes DEAR come down now" and before
1 scarcely knew it, Mrs. Gladstone was behind
and Mr.. Gladstone in front OF me. AS the lat.
ter me, he lifted his hat and ad-
vanced with extended hand I confess
to deal of hero worship in my nature. and Will
lam Ewart Gladstone has always held very
high place in the Pantheon of my thought. I
WAS decidedly ..fabbergast,n but managed to
return the courteous greeting the best way I
could, and at least say that 1 was stranger,
and from the United States. my dear, this
gentleman is from the United States" and a
cordial smile from Mrs. Gladstone and a
teous excuse from him that he must go and
make his respects to his guests. put me at ease,
and gave me time to gather" AS Mr.. Glad
stone appeared nearing the tent. all the old peo-
pie rose and gave that peculiar ''curtsy" which
is not outside of England. utterly mimi
table, but blown in the bottle among the lower
classes; while the band struck up the medley of
Scotch airs. beginning with robin Affair."" that
l had before heard Cation hill. Edinboro I
presume that particular selection made be-
cause Mr.. Gladstone is Scottish member of
Parliament, sitting for the Midlothian. After
Mr.. Gladstone had made the round of the old
folk he again came near me, and brief but
pleasant conversation ensued. After telling
him who and whence I came,
he asked number of questions about the
United States. and particularly about Indiana
and Indianapolis He remembered that he had
received address from citizens, and
cepte6 with a grateful word my assurance that
all our people were in sympathy with him in his
brave and historic struggle for the rights OF
man. He asked how many Irish people we had
in Indiana and Indianapolis. how they were
getting along their prospects in life. and to
their assimilation with political institutions.
The day somewhat damp and threatening,
and Mr. Gladstone was quito hoarse from the
effect of his recent speech in Parliament; and,
beside, did not want to be intrusive or imperti-
nent, and. possible, excused myself
Mr.. Gladstone saying that no would have to
speak to his friends after the dinner, which he
did for nearly three-qusrters of an hour. in an
address that even the bit.erest Tory papers were
compelled say one of the most eloquent
and appropriate utterances the jubilee year had
called forth.